Payroll Technician

Navajo Technical University•Crownpoint, NM

About The Position

The Payroll Technician computes and enters hours worked, overtime, deductions, paid time off, status changes, and other relevant information into the computerized payroll system to maintain records for payroll preparation. The role processes biweekly payroll, verifies and corrects payroll data, prepares payroll reports and year-end financial information, and handles employee and agency questions related to compensation and deductions. The position requires strict confidentiality and timely, accurate payroll processing. It supervises the Payroll Assistant. Work is generally performed in an office setting, with tight deadlines and multiple demands; evening or weekend work, extended hours, and irregular shifts may be required.

Requirements

Associate degree in Accounting or a related field.
Four years of accounting and payroll experience.
Valid state driver's license.
Must pass a background check with no prior felony convictions.
Knowledge of accounting procedures and financial systems.
Knowledge of payroll practices, policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
Knowledge of business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
Skill operating word-processing, spreadsheet, payroll, and database software in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with people from varied social and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to analyze situations and choose appropriate courses of action.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with coworkers at all levels.
Ability to work independently and meet strict deadlines.
Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
Ability to stay organized, maintain confidentiality, prepare routine administrative paperwork, and sort, check, count, and verify numbers.
Ability to analyze and solve problems.
Ability to communicate effectively in Navajo and English.
Ability to work as a team member in a structured working environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Receive and review timekeeping records from departments for payroll processing.
Compile and analyze payroll data, make recommendations and determinations, and prepare related reports.
Coordinate with departments to verify attendance and resolve discrepancies in recorded hours.
Receive and process personnel forms, including paid time off, leaves of absence, transfers, status changes, hires, and separations.
Review payroll reports and entries for accuracy, make corrections or adjustments through journal entries or other procedures, and review entries generated in iSolved before posting to accounting software.
Research and resolve payroll questions, technical problems, discrepancies, and other issues promptly.
Calculate and process employee deductions, including taxes, child support, garnishments, and student loans.
Prepare payroll information for direct deposits, payroll funds transfers, and electronic federal and state tax payments; verify arrival of transfer files.
Assist with check requests for wage garnishments, state payroll taxes, and other deductions.
Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation, and ensure financial records remain confidential.
Coordinate with federal and state agencies regarding employee compensation and deductions.
Prepare reports as needed, complete income verifications, and compile information for audits.
Prepare year-end financial data for W-2s and other financial reports, including annual ACA reports.
Prepare and ensure accuracy of Navajo Nation quarterly Workers' Compensation reports and payments, Labor Department monthly and annual reports, and Nationwide/Legacy Benefits biweekly reports and payments; coordinate year-end retirement true-up reporting and payment and post the final amount.
Monitor tax-law changes and payroll compliance with state and federal requirements; send iSolved updates with current workers' compensation and Arizona/New Mexico unemployment rates.
Review payroll reports for rate changes and calculate and process final payments for separated faculty who leave before their contract end date.
Maintain insurance plans for full-time employees.
Ensure payroll is issued on time on a biweekly schedule.
Respond to employee payroll questions and concerns.
Perform other duties as assigned.